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Altering your own clothing doesn’t require a lot of expensive tools. In fact you can start with just a few. This short list of supplies would be an investment of about $200. In a few months you can easily save that amount of money of your wardobe.

The secret of alterations is that you can buy at a thrift store for a fraction of the cost and alter the piece of clothing to fit you or you can learn to mend your clothing and replace broken zippers rather than buying new.

Invest in a sewing machine. Start with a basic, non-computerized machine like this singer for less than $150.
A seam ripper is your number one friend when it comes to DIY alterations. This will help you take the stitching out of an old seam so you can create a new one. These come in various shapes and sizes, but I would recommend this one designed for comfort.
Some alterations, like adding a button or a snap, or mending small holes, require hand stitching needles.
Thread: You can’t sew without thread. You can start with keeping just basic white thread on hand but for convenience I would recommend investing in a variety of colors.
A 6-inch ruler & A 60inch measuring tape. These two will help you with a more accurate fit. It is important to take in the same amount on each side of a garment, whether it be hemming pants or altering the bodice. However, there is occaision when bodies are not symmetrical, in this case pin the article of clothing to size before you alter it.
Fabric Scissors. You can’t use regular office scissors for alterations. They won’t cut fabric properly. Instead invest in a pair of fabric shears that you will use only for cutting cloth.
Sewing machine needles. You can’t use your sewing machine without needles. Have a variety of sizes on hand for your different projects because different fabric weights require different size needles.
Pins are necessary for fitting the garment properly. They also help to hold the fabric in place when stitching.